Two gang members admit guilt; another sentenced

Two gang members pleaded guilty in federal court today and another from a different gang was sentenced, prosecutors said.

Dennis "Dennyman" Jones, 33, of 306 Marguerite Ave., Syracuse, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole because of his long-time involvement in the Elk Block Gang.

Jones and four other Elk Block members were convicted in December on racketeering and conspiracy charges.

In other court action, Larry Benton, 20, and Clifton Stith, 22, of the Brighton Brigade gang, pleaded guilty to their own racketeering charges.

As part of his plea, Benton admitted he was present during a shooting in June 2005 in which a stray bullet hit a two-year-old child. Both defendants face a sentence of up to life in prison and fines of up to $250,000.